Unraveling the Mysteries of Tom O'Folliard in Season 2 Episode 4 of Billy the Kid: What Really Happened

Article Overview

Billy the Kid develops a sincere connection with Tom, a fellow orphan, and endeavors to safeguard him despite the adversities they confront in the Old West.

The MGM+ series takes certain artistic liberties with history, as Tom O'Folliard was truthfully wounded in the shoulder during the Lincoln County War, rather than the leg as portrayed in the show.

In season 2, episode 4 of the MGM+ series, a real-life best friend of Billy the Kid faces an uncertain future. The show depicts the journey of William H. Bonney, a notorious outlaw who becomes one of the most infamous figures in the Old West. Despite their bond, Billy had initially dismissed Tom as a fan and turned him away. However, after hearing Tom's story, Billy takes him under his wing and they develop a genuine connection. This loyalty persists even after the Lincoln County War, as they become fugitives together and ultimately meet the same tragic end - being shot and killed by Pat Garrett in 1880.

The Real Tom O'Folliard Survived His Wounds & Escaped From The Lincoln County War

Tom discloses to Billy during the second season of Billy the Kid that he is an orphan, just like Billy, without any family. This revelation creates a tender spot in Billy's heart for Tom and instills in him a strong desire to protect him. However, this becomes challenging considering the constant threat posed by the Jesse Evans Gang and the Lincoln County War. Despite the dangers, Tom proves himself to be a dedicated and loyal fighter alongside Billy and the Regulators. Although his enthusiasm is commendable, Tom's innocence and lack of experience almost cost him his life in one of the initial major battles of the Lincoln County War. In response, Billy takes it upon himself to ensure Tom's well-being following the murder of Sheriff Brady. He quickly devises a plan to guarantee Tom's safety.

Contrary to the depiction in the MGM+ series, it was not Tom O'Folliard who was shot in the leg during the ambush on Sheriff William Brady. Historical accounts suggest that Billy the Kid was the one who sustained a leg injury after removing an item from William Brady's lifeless body. O'Folliard, on the other hand, was wounded in a different battle that took place during the Lincoln County War, specifically in the notorious Battle of Lincoln. Instead of being shot in the leg, the real-life O'Folliard was struck in the shoulder while fleeing from the burning residence of Alex McSween, marking the final confrontation of the Lincoln County War.

Tom Was A Fugitive With Billy The Kid Before Being Killed By Pat Garrett In 1880

Tom, a loyal member of Billy the Kid's gang, remained committed to riding with him even after the Lincoln County War concluded. Alongside fellow fugitives, Billy and Charlie Bowdre, Tom engaged in cattle theft and stock trading. Tom's alliance with Billy extended to other notorious outlaws of the Old West, including Tom Pickett, Billy Wilson, and Dave Rudabaugh. Tragically, Tom shared the same destiny as his close friend Billy, falling victim to a fatal gunshot inflicted by Lincoln County Sheriff Pat Garrett in 1880. He was laid to rest beside Billy, who met his demise in 1881.

Editor's P/S

In the second season of Billy the Kid, episode 4, we witness the intriguing tale of Tom O'Folliard, Billy the Kid's devoted friend. Tom, an orphan like Billy, forms a deep bond with the notorious outlaw, who initially dismisses him as a mere fan. However, after learning of Tom's tragic past, Billy takes him under his wing, and they become inseparable. Their loyalty to each other remains steadfast even after the Lincoln County War, as they become fugitives together.

The show portrays Tom as a courageous and dedicated fighter alongside Billy and the Regulators. Despite his enthusiasm, Tom's innocence and lack of experience nearly cost him his life in one of the initial major battles of the Lincoln County War. However, Billy, determined to protect his friend, swiftly devises a plan to ensure Tom's safety. This touching portrayal of their friendship adds depth to the narrative and highlights the lengths Billy would go to safeguard those he cares about.